You’d better watch out: Tow-away zones set for Sarasota holiday parade
Oh, what fun it is to … recover your illegally parked car from a towing service?. No, that’s not how the holiday ditty is supposed to go. So, to avoid creating a new Christmas classic based on frustration and unexpected costs, the Sarasota Police is warning anyone who normally leaves cars and trucks curbside in the...
See it: Florida deputies wrestle massive 600-pound, 14-foot gator
Florida police in Sarasota had their hands full removing a 600-pound alligator earlier this week.
Sarasota Sheriff’s Holiday Operation at UTC Mall Leads to Eleven Arrests for Retail Theft
Between November 18 and 20, 2025, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office conducted a retail theft operation at the University Town Center (UTC) mall in Sarasota. Multiple sheriff’s units participated in the effort. The operation aimed to address an increase in retail thefts during the holiday shopping period.
Man arrested in North Port after being accused of child molestation
CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. — A man has been arrested in Sarasota after being accused of molesting a child under 12 back in June. According to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, Juan Rafael Hernandez fled to South Carolina before he could be interviewed. The Charlotte County Warrants Division eventually found him in...
Ringling Bros. circus launching ‘Greatest Party on Earth’ in Tampa next month
PALMETTO, Fla. (WFLA) — At Feld Entertainment Studios in Palmetto, 65 performers are in rehearsals gearing up for the newest Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus production. News Channel 8 got a behind the scenes look at the production. The Greatest Show on Earth is throwing the “Greatest Party on Earth.” When...
A new version of a scam is targeting Manatee County residents
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Officials are warning Manatee County residents about a new variation of a long-running jury duty scam. According to the Manatee Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller, a resident recently reported receiving a call from scammers posing as law enforcement officers. The callers claimed the...
Major crash blocks Sumter Blvd
SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Sarasota County Sheriff Department, along with the Florida Highway Patrol, is working to clear a crash on Sumter Blvd near I-75. At least one person was injured in the crash, and taken to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with critical injuries, according to FHP. The crash happened just...
Derelict boat removed after 3 years as Sarasota police crack down on abandoned vessels
SARASOTA, Fla. - They're an eyesore and a safety hazard. For years derelict boats have caused issues along Florida's coast. After Hurricane Milton, larger penalties were put into place, which now allow local law enforcement to respond and hold owners accountable. Sarasota police continue to work to remove derelict...
Bradenton Police continue search for female suspect in Dollar Tree robbery
BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) - Bradenton Police continue the search for a woman they say robbed a Dollar Tree store on First Street West on July 8. Police say they are looking for Adrian Randall after forensic evidence at the scene linked Randall to the crime. Randall, 40, allegedly entered the...
County commissioner says Sarasota jail is at ’emergency’ level
SARSOTA COUNTY, Fla. — In Sarasota County, one commissioner says the jail population has reached an "emergency" level. Numbers given to Spectrum News by the sheriff's office confirm the situation: they are housing nearly 300 more inmates than what the facility was built for. County Commissioner Tom Knight says...
